_Incident · Malfunction_

# MQ-9 Reaper crashed into Mediterranean Sea after propeller decoupled mid-flight

Canonical ID: `9e5f2c7c-4278-4ca5-8a69-48dffb60482f`

- **Occurred:** 2024-12-16
- **Kind:** `malfunction`
- **Status (derived):** active
- **Model:** [MQ-9 Reaper](/models/general-atomics-parent-mq-9-reaper.md) (id: `0e3700b0-9892-486e-85e5-a19da5e4686e`)
- **Company:** [General Atomics](/companies/general-atomics-parent.md)
- **Category:** [Drones](/drones)

An MQ-9A Reaper worth $13 million crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on December 16, 2024, after its propeller decoupled from the engine due to failure of a spiral lock ring inside the gearbox. The aircraft was operated by the 20th Attack Squadron from Whiteman AFB, taking off from a U.S. European Command location. The crew declared an emergency and ditched the aircraft in the water. The drone was unrecoverable.

## Sources (1)

1. **Broken propeller caused $13M military Reaper drone to crash into sea** · https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2025/08/14/lost-propeller-caused-13m-military-reaper-drone-to-crash-into-sea/ · 2025-08-14

## Common questions

### What happened in MQ-9 Reaper crashed into Mediterranean Sea after propeller decoupled mid-flight?

An MQ-9A Reaper worth $13 million crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on December 16, 2024, after its propeller decoupled from the engine due to failure of a spiral lock ring inside the gearbox. The aircraft was operated by the 20th Attack Squadron from Whiteman AFB, taking off from a U.S. European Command location. The crew declared an emergency and ditched the aircraft in the water. The drone was unrecoverable.

### When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on December 16, 2024 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

### What robot was involved in MQ-9 Reaper crashed into Mediterranean Sea after propeller decoupled mid-flight?

MQ-9 Reaper is the recorded robot involved in this incident.

### Has anyone responded to MQ-9 Reaper crashed into Mediterranean Sea after propeller decoupled mid-flight?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

### What is the current status of MQ-9 Reaper crashed into Mediterranean Sea after propeller decoupled mid-flight?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.


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